New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is arguably one of the most prestigious festivals in the United States. Ever since it was founded, it has attracted massive audiences from different parts of the world. 2015 and 2016 saw over 400,000 participants stream into the New Orleans Fair Grounds.
This year, the 2017 Jazz Fest returns to the Crescent City, and it will take place between April 28 and May 7. Among the big names poised to grace the occasion include Stevie Wonder, Maroon 5, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Kings of Leon, Dave Mathews and Tim Reynolds, and Widespread Panic among others.
Even though Festivals Productions Inc., the company co-producing the event with AEG has not divulged as much information, people already have an idea of how the cubes will look like. This means preparations are quickly gathering steam and potential attendees are already looking for restaurants, tickets, parking, hotels, and even shuttles. Below are the dos and don’ts you need to know if you are to enjoy yourself at the Jazz Festival.
Jazz Fest Ticket Sales
If you are an early bird, you can grab your single day ticket for as little as $65 as long as you get it by February 14th. Starting Feb.15, the price will increase by $5 to $70. If you are the kind that pays at the gate, you will part with $80 for a single day ticket. As usual, tickets for children from the ages of 2 to 10 are bought only at the gate, and their cost remains at $5. There is detailed ticketing information available at the official Jazz Fest website.
Dressing for New Orleans Weather
The beauty of the Jazz Fest is that it always coincides with the blooming flowers and backyard crawfish parties which characterize the glories of New Orleans spring. That being said, it is also important to note that weather can be quite unpredictable hence you need to plan well.
You can pack your sweater to take care of any cold fronts as well as umbrellas, light ponchos, and footgear to give you stability in mud and puddles.
Hotel Accommodations
There are hotels offering specials in partnership with festival organizers. The best way to plan your stay is by making early reservations to avoid the last minute rush. Some of the hotels in the vicinity include Country Inn & Suites, Clarion Grand Boutique, Chateau Lemoyne French Quarter, and Bourbon Orleans.
Transportation to the Festival
New Orleans offers many transportation options. There is a public transit system, the Regional Transit Authority, which provides regular shuttle service during the Jazz Fest. Uber is also a household name, but you will often see price surges with both Uber and taxi service during this time in the city. However, a festival as famous and influential as the New Orleans Jazz Fest requires a first class, modern, and stylish transportation system which Uber and public transportation cannot offer.
Opting for a local limousine service or New Orleans limo shuttle will ensure you and your friends arrive on time, in style to the big event. Unlike Uber, limousine companies have professional drivers who are trained and well compensated for giving you that unforgettable experience. Also, limousines in New Orleans comes with comfort and other extras you may not enjoy with other transport services. Just ensure you make an inquiry and reserve Jazz Fest transportation in time because limos are in high demand during these weekends.
Lastly, to avoid inconveniences with security, stick to the rules and do not carry items such as canopies, skateboards, pole-style umbrellas, and video or audio recording equipment. Other than that, enjoy yourself and have a Happy New Orleans Jazz Fest experience 2017!